Patents Issued in February 26, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040035548
    Abstract: A carbon nano material and a resin binder are plasticized and injection molded to form a preliminarily molded member. The preliminarily molded member is degreased by a heat treatment and made to a preliminarily molded porous member composed of the carbon nano material. The preliminarily molded porous member is inserted into a cavity of a product mold. A molten low melting point metal is injected into and fills the cavity. The preliminarily molded porous member is impregnated with the low melting point metal by injection pressure, thereby a composite metal product composed of the low melting point metal material integrally composited with the carbon nano material is molded. With the above arrangement, the characteristics of the carbon nano material are applied to the composite metal product to improve the functions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Atsushi Koide, Kiyoto Takizawa, Yoshitoshi Yamagiwa, Masashi Suganuma, Mamoru Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20040035549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a casting roller for the casting of metal strip in the casting gap between two parallel casting rollers with variable separation and which may be cooled. A shaft (1) with a shell (2), surrounding the above at a separation therefrom and an external cover (3), the circumferential surface of which may be adjusted with regard to the crowning thereof during the casting operation, for altering the shape of the external cover, are disclosed. Annular pressure chambers (3c) are thus formed on the inner side of the shell (2) for hydraulically pumping the above up, which are formed between the shells and applied strips (13). The casting roller further comprises means for connecting the annular pressure chambers (3c) to an external hydraulic pressure generating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus-Peter Eberwein
  • Publication number: 20040035550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thin slabs whereby the cross-section thereof is reduced during solidification in a continuous casting device wherein the stand guide adjacent to the mould comprises wedge-shaped adjustable roller-strand sections for regulating the thickness of the strand or the thin slabs. According to the invention, the thickness of the strand is reduced only on one point of the strand guide below the first segment downstream from the mould in an area of the strand containing a liquid core by regulating the strand guide rollers with a soft transition. The segment following the segment situated directly after the mould comprises a pivoting point on the input side and an adjusting means arranged on the output side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Karl Rittner, Jurgen Muller, Fernando Vergniory, Armando Villareal Gutierrez, Pedro Sagasti
  • Publication number: 20040035551
    Abstract: In a cover structure for restricting adhesion of foreign materials such as an antifreezing agent to a resinous tank of a heat exchanger, a cover member is arranged such that its first end is in the proximity of a boundary between a core portion and the resinous tank of the heat exchanger and its second end is adjacent to an opening through which air is introduced. The cover member blocks the foreign materials entering from the opening and restricts. Also, the cover member directs the air having passed through the opening toward the core portion. Thus, the tank is less likely to deteriorate due to adhesion of the foreign materials. Further, efficiency of heat exchange of the core portion improves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Masami Tamura, Norihisa Sasano
  • Publication number: 20040035552
    Abstract: A well-water-type liquid cooling and heating resource system of the present invention, comprises a well, an energy lift device, a discharging pump and a suction pump sequentially connected by conduits. The well is separated into an upper portion and a lower portion by a baffle plate, and can supply constant temperature water at about 15° C. using as the low level cold and heat resources. The discharging tube and returning tube of the well is connected respectively with a liquid inlet tube and returning tube of the energy lift device. The suction pump is mounted at the lower portion of the well or on the baffle plate. The discharging tube of energy lift device, which is equipped with a discharge pump, is connected to a load such as an air conditioner. The load such as the air conditioner's returning tube is connected with the liquid inlet tube of a heat-exchanging pipeline coupling with the condenser of the energy lift device. The system costs lower and has no pollution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Shengheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20040035553
    Abstract: The method allows cool rooms or sea containers designed for frozen goods to handle produce requiring more precisely controlled temperatures and conditions. Each load of produce is held in the sea container or cool room but in a sealed periphery from the air of the refrigerated environment. The atmosphere within the sealed periphery is then circulated so as to pass through the load and around it via ducts provided adjacent the sealed periphery. Heat exchange between the circulating gas and the refrigerated environment serves to cool the load. However, if cooling is excessive a heating element can be used to raise the temperature of the circulating atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: TRANSPHERE SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Raymond Bosher, Robert Barnes
  • Publication number: 20040035554
    Abstract: A heatsink of the present invention has a column having a heat conducting plate with a heat receiving face contacting a heat producing element. On the side faces of the column are a plurality of first slits disposed parallel to the heat receiving face and a plurality of second slits disposed transversely to the heat receiving face. These slits form a plurality of pillar-type protrusions functioning as fins for cooling. At least one of cross sections of the column has a shape of a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle or a shape which tapers off as it goes away at right angle from the heat receiving face. A method of manufacturing the heatsink of the present invention includes first and second processes. In the first process, the first slits are formed by providing a plurality of metallic plate fins on the column along its length by the methods including the extrusion molding using a metallic mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Sato, Yasuhiro Fujiwara, Seiji Manabe, Shinobu Kamizuru
  • Publication number: 20040035555
    Abstract: A counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus improves heat transport capability by imparting oscillatory displacement to a fluid located near a heat-generating element such that the fluid is directed toward the heat-generating element. Turning portions of serpentine flow paths are disposed to face the heat-generating element. The flow paths are stacked in multiple layers in the direction from the heat-generating element to the flow paths, and a plurality of flow paths are disposed adjacent to the heat-generating element in the direction of fluid oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Nara, Yasumasa Hagiwara, Kimio Kohara, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Seiji Inoue, Akito Akimoto, Makoto Sugiura, Kouji Kishita, Nobunao Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040035556
    Abstract: A heat-dissipating device includes a hollow housing adapted to contact a heat source and for receiving a heat-conducting fluid therein, a heat-conducting member contacting the heat-conducting fluid, and a heat-dissipating fin unit driven to move within an ambient fluid so as to dissipate heat from the fin unit to the ambient fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Amigo Jean
  • Publication number: 20040035557
    Abstract: A cooling device for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a heat generating element attached within a first housing; a heat receiving jacket, being connected with said heat generating element, and being attached within said first housing; a second housing being rotatably supported on said first housing; a first heat exchanger attached within said second housing, for exchanging heat between an outside; and a liquid driving means for supplying a cooling liquid to said heat receiving jacket, wherein a portion of a pipe for connecting between said heat receiving means, said first heat exchanger, and said liquid driving means is made of a flexible tube made of a resin, and further wherein, a second heat exchanger and an ion exchanger are provided in a part of said pipe, said second housing is received within said second housing, and said ion exchanger is received within said second housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rintaro Minamitani, Shigeo Ohashi, Yoshihiro Kondo, Yuji Yoshitomi, Takashi Naganawa, Masato Nakanishi, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20040035558
    Abstract: A heat transfer device such as a heat sink has one or more heat pipe tubes mounted in a base plate. The heat pipe tubes have a working fluid in a vessel with a wicking material between an evaporator and condenser. The heat pipe traverses a through opening in the base plate and extends along a receptacle in the base plate facing the heat source, this portion preferably defining the heat pipe evaporator. The heat pipe has legs extending perpendicularly from the base plate, and preferably hold spaced heat transfer fins, the legs forming the condenser part of a stacked tower of fins on the base plate. Preferably two or more heat pipes are provided in the form of U-shaped or L-shaped tubes that are flattened along the underside of the base plate to bear against the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Todd, Matthew J. Connors, David McKee, John R. Hartenstine, Scott Garner
  • Publication number: 20040035559
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a receiving tube into which a fluid is introduced; a discharge tube for discharging a heat-exchanged fluid outwardly; a plurality of pins disposed between the receiving tube and the discharge tube, being bent at regular intervals so that air can pass at an outer circumferential surface thereof, and having a guide unit for guiding condensate water condensed at the surface thereof in one direction; and a tube disposed between the pins for heat-exchanging between a fluid passing therethrough and air passing the outer circumferential surface of the pin, and having a condensate water discharge path for discharging downwardly the condensate water guided by the guide unit. A condensate water remaining phenomenon between the pins can be reduced, and thus, the heat exchanging performance is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Cheol-Soo Ko, Se-Yoon Oh, Sai-Kee Oh, Yong-Cheol Sa, Dong-Yeon Jang
  • Publication number: 20040035560
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly for dissipating heat from a CPU (3) includes a computer enclosure (2), a heat sink (10), a container (20), a fan (30), and a tube (40). The container is partly filled with liquid, and is mounted on the heat sink. The fan is mounted in the container and open to a top wall (22) of the container. The enclosure encloses the heat sink the container and the fan therein. The tube is attached to the enclosure, with one end of the tube inserted through the container and engaged with a side of the fan, and an opposite end of the tube engaged with the container. In operation, liquid rises as vapor to the top wall, and condenses into droplets which drop into the fan. The droplets received in the fan are impelled to enter the tube, transfer heat to the enclosure, and return to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Yun Lung Chen
  • Publication number: 20040035561
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, which is able to improve heat transmission function and reduce distances between fins to improve heat exchanging function and reduce a size by coating surfaces of the fins with certain materials to make condensate water attached on the surfaces of the fins discharged smoothly, comprises fins arranged with certain gaps therebetween to flow the air; and a tube, through which the fluid passes, installed to penetrate the fins, and the fins are arranged so that one surfaces treated by hydrophilic material and the other surfaces treated by water repellent material face each other with certain gaps therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Cheol-Soo Ko, Se-Yoon Oh, Sai-Kee Oh, Yong-Cheol Sa, Dong-Yeon Jang
  • Publication number: 20040035562
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger for cooling air, a tube has a streamlined-shaped cross-section so that air flows along an outer surface of the tube without stagnating. Therefore, it is less likely that moisture contained in the air will adhere on the outer surface of the tube. Accordingly, the formation of frost is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nishijima, Tomoo Honda, Kazuhisa Makida, Toshio Ueno
  • Publication number: 20040035563
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger which reduces a flow loss of air and increases a heat exchange performance by preventing condensate water from staying at surfaces of fins. To this end, the heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of tubes arranged with a predetermined interval so as to pass a fluid for the heat exchange; and fins mounted among the tubes for expanding a contact area with air, wherein the fins are tilted with a predetermined angle so as to prevent condensate water from staying at the surfaces of the fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Cheol-Soo Ko, Se-Yoon Oh, Sai-Kee Oh, Yong-Cheol Sa, Dong-Yeon Jang
  • Publication number: 20040035564
    Abstract: A stack type heat exchanger includes a plurality of unit frames stacked on one another, each unit frame including a tube made by combining a pair of plates and forming a path for refrigerant and upper and lower tanks disposed at upper and lower ends of the tube, a radiation fin provided between the stacked tubes, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe provided at one side of the unit frames through which refrigerant enters and is exhausted, a first burr formed in the lower tank to protrude in a direction opposite to a direction in which the refrigerant flows, and a second burr formed in the upper tank to protrude in the same direction as the direction in which the refrigerant flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Tae Young Park, Chang-Ho Park, In Kap Kim
  • Publication number: 20040035565
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for swimming pools, formed of an essentially cylindrical housing through which a first medium flows axially, while a second medium flows through a conduit that is installed in the housing and that is fashioned as a coil. The coil-shaped conduit is formed of a corrugated hose, and has separate connections for the second medium, or for the corrugated hose. The corrugated hose is connected at its end segments to separate connections for the second medium via a plug connection. The connections extend from the outside to the inside of the housing, passing through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Witzenmann GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Michelfelder, Bernd Seeger
  • Publication number: 20040035566
    Abstract: A profile of the casing 20 is formed into a circular pipe shape, and the two gas coolers 10a, 10b are integrated into one body so that the longitudinal directions of the respective gas coolers can be substantially parallel with each other. Due to the above structure, it is possible to make the coolant flow smoothly in the casing 20 and stagnation of the coolant seldom occurs. Accordingly, as boiling of the coolant can be suppressed, it is possible to prevent the heat transfer coefficient from being remarkably deteriorated. Further, it is possible to suppress the generation of cracks, in the tubes 11, which are caused by heat stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Takayuki Hayashi, Youji Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20040035567
    Abstract: A double sided-double heat exchanger core includes a plurality of sets of fluid passageways separated by a plurality of “S” shaped thermally conductive walls. Each set includes a plurality of fluid passageways. Each thermally conductive wall is configured to separate fluid flow between adjacent sets and configured to separate fluid flow between fluid passageways of one of the adjacent sets. The heat exchanger core is configured to provide segregated fluid flow between adjacent sets of fluid passageways. This heat exchanger core is particularly applicable for cooling equipment cabinets, wherein the air used to cool the equipment is recirculated through a plurality of sets and ambient air flows through interlaced sets to cool the recirculated air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Quang Duong, Kriss K. Replogle
  • Publication number: 20040035568
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system improves a passenger's sensation of cooling by preventing air blown from a foot opening when a cooling load is low, creating a comfortable temperature distribution along the passenger's body. The vehicle air-conditioning system automatically selects a face mode when a target air temperature (TAO) is between a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature, which is higher than the first predetermined temperature, a bi-level mode when the TAO is higher than the first predetermined temperature and an evaporator air temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, or a face mode when the TAO is lower than the first predetermined temperature and the evaporator air temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Katou, Shinichi Yoshida, Makoto Mimoto
  • Publication number: 20040035569
    Abstract: An air-supply machine cleans outside air. The cleaned outside air is dehumidified by cooling by performing heat exchange between the cleaned outside air and an exhaust air from a lithography apparatus by a first heat-pipe. The dehumidified outside air is heated by performing heat treatment between the dehumidified outside air and an exhaust air from a vertical heat treatment apparatus by a second heat-pipe. The heated outside air is supplied to inside the housing of the vertical heat treatment apparatus. Thereby, the consumption of air in the clean room is reduced and the running cost of the clean room is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Osamu Suenaga, Sadao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040035570
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for cooling an optical element provided in a vacuum atmosphere includes a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer, and a controller for controlling temperature of the radiation cooling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Shinichi Hara
  • Publication number: 20040035571
    Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger including a hollow, longitudinally extending body, at least one first directional outer seal, at least one second directional outer seal and a valve stem. Both the at least one first directional outer seal and the at least one second directional outer seal are disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. Portions of the seals extend in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the longitudinally extending body such that these portions are spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The first directional outer seal extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the at least one second directional outer seal. The valve stem includes a valve member, extends through the longitudinally extending body, and has actual ends extending from the body. The valve stem is operable to be shuttled between an open and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Synco Tool Company Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas H. Abbott, Daniel S. Belczewski
  • Publication number: 20040035572
    Abstract: A knuckle-swivel (10) is used with well drilling equipment for protecting helical wound line 62, which may be wire rope, cable and/or strand, against torsional forces and also providing for angular displacement of sinker bars or other tools during wireline strip over operations to minimize interference with rig equipment (80) when pulling pipe or tools 64 from a well head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Larry V. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20040035573
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a joint between two lengths of tubular. The apparatus comprises a tong arrangement (23) comprising a rotary tong (1) and a back-up tong (11). A frame (20) has a seat (21) for supporting the tong arrangement (23) from beneath, the tong arrangement (23) resting upon the seat (21) such that the tong arrangement (23) can be oriented in use at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame (20). Means (32) are provided for securing the tong arrangement (23) to the frame (20) at a chosen orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20040035574
    Abstract: A packing assembly for use with a rotary drilling swivel having a cylindrical wash pipe comprising a housing assembly including a packing gland forming a sealing assembly chamber around the wash pipe, the packing gland including an injection port in open communication with the chamber, a sealing assembly disposed in the chamber and including a first annular seal ring surrounding and in sealing engagement with the wash pipe, an annular containment member disposed in the chamber in surrounding relation to the wash pipe and axially spaced from the first seal ring and an injectable packing composition in sealing engagement with the wash pipe and disposed between the first seal ring and the containment member, one of the wash pipe and the packing assembly being rotatable relative to the other. Also disclosed is a sealing assembly for use with a pump having a rotary shaft, sealing between the shaft and a stuffing box being accomplished by the use of lip type seals and an injectable packing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick B. Pippert
  • Publication number: 20040035575
    Abstract: A side-pocket gas lift mandrel having tapered end caps threaded onto the ends of the mandrel with metal-to-metal sealing threads. The thickness of each made up thread set is the same as the thickness of the small end of each end cap, resulting in a mandrel having the same outside diameter as if the end caps were welded on, without sacrificing any inside diameter in the small ends of the end caps, compared to a welded mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Roger D. Hegdahl, James H. Kritzler
  • Publication number: 20040035576
    Abstract: (1) A steel pipe that is expanded radially in a state wherein it was inserted in a well such as an oil well, characterized in that the non-uniform wall thickness ratio E0 (%) before expanding satisfies the following expression {circle over (1)}.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Yuji Arai, Kunio Kondo, Hisashi Amaya, Akihito Yamane
  • Publication number: 20040035577
    Abstract: This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may comprise two separate absolute pressure measurement devices or a single differential pressure measurement device. Flow rate through the valve is determined from the pressure drop across the valve. In wellbores having multiple zones, a variable orifice valve together with a differential pressure measurement mechanism may be deployed for each zone. The flow rate through each of the zones and at the surface can then be monitored and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Gary M. Oddie, Sam Smonian
  • Publication number: 20040035578
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Colby M. Ross, Ralph H. Echols, Brock W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20040035579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for gravel packing an open-hole wellbore having a filter cake, comprising pumping a gravel slurry into a first portion of an annular between the wellbore and a screen, at a sufficient rate and pressure to form at least a first fracture and diverting the gravel slurry to a second portion of said annular through alternate flowpaths while providing hydraulic isolation between the first and the second portion of said interval thereby preventing flowback from said second portion to said first portion and resulting extension of the first fracture and forming a second fracture in said second portion of said interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Mehmet Parlar, Colin Price-Smith, Raymond Tibbles
  • Publication number: 20040035580
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reducing the permeability of subterranean zones. More particularly, water-soluble polymeric compositions which form cross-linked gels in the zones. In general, the composition comprises (a) at least one water-soluble polymer; (b) at least one organic gelling agent capable of cross-linking the water-soluble polymer; and (c) at least one water-soluble formate. More preferably, the water-soluble polymer is a copolymer of (i) at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer, and (ii) at least one copolymerisable ethylenically unsaturated ester. The gelling agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of a polyalkyleneimine, polyfunctional aliphatic amine, an aralkylamine, and a heteroaralkylamine. The preferred water-soluble formate is selected from the group consisting of ammonium formate, lithium formate, sodium formate, potassium formate, rubidium formate, cesium formate, and francium formate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Ron C.M. Bouwmeester, Klaas A.W. Van Gijtenbeek
  • Publication number: 20040035581
    Abstract: A multilateral well completion. In a described embodiment, a multilateral well completion system includes a completion apparatus installed in a cased parent wellbore. The completion apparatus has an opening in its side which is rotationally aligned with a window in the parent wellbore casing. A tubular string is inserted through an inner tubular structure of the apparatus, through the opening, through the window, and into a branch wellbore extending outwardly from the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Travis W. Cavender
  • Publication number: 20040035582
    Abstract: A system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a first, second and third entry well bore extending from the surface, the first, second and third entry well bores located on the same drilling pad at the surface. A slanted well bore extends from each of the entry well bores to the subterranean zone. A substantially horizontal drainage pattern extends from the slanted well bores into the subterranean zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20040035583
    Abstract: The present invention provides for dynamic sealing in a flow control device. In an embodiment, the flow control device comprises a closure sleeve adapted to slide over the tubing hole. The closure sleeve has a front edge having a wave-like surface. One or more seals are mounted downstream of the tubing hole. The one or more seals cooperate in a fluid-tight manner with the closure sleeve. A protective sleeve is mounted in alignment with the closure sleeve and proximate to the one or more seals. The protective sleeve has a top edge adapted for mating engagement with the wave-like surface of the front edge of the closure sleeve. A return mechanism is provided for automatically returning the protective sleeve to a covering position in which the protective sleeve covers the first seal when the first seal is not covered by the closure sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Bertoja
  • Publication number: 20040035584
    Abstract: A well configuration and method of increasing production from a hydrocarbon well having pre-existing production tube. A composite velocity string having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the production tube is installed in the production tube so that an annular gap is formed between the outer surface of the velocity string and the inner surface of the production tube. Production from the well is increased because the coefficient of fluid flow friction through the composite velocity string, and the amount of heat loss through the composite velocity string, are reduced compared to a steel velocity string. Installation efficiency is also increased because the composite velocity string is much lighter than a steel velocity string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Polyflow, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Gleim, Changhui Zhu
  • Publication number: 20040035585
    Abstract: In the well assembly of the invention, a downhole pump assembly has an intake and a discharge outlet. A capsule enclosing the pump assembly selectively isolates the pump assembly from well fluid by way of a flow control device. A conduit having open upper and lower ends extends sealingly through the capsule for accessing a portion of the well below the capsule. The invention also includes a method of pumping fluid from a well wherein a pump assembly enclosed in a capsule is protected from pressure. In this method, the pump is shut off and well fluid is blocked from the interior of the capsule. Pressure is then applied to the well fluid surrounding the capsule, the capsule isolating the pump assembly from the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Floyd D. Ireland, Janislene S. Ferreira
  • Publication number: 20040035586
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obstructing the passage of fluid within a fluid flow conduit and subsequently reconfiguring the tool to allow substantially full-bore passage therethrough. Pressure developed upstream of the obstruction can be utilized to operate pressure actuated tools such as liner hangers. Equipment used in subsequent wellbore operations such as drill pipe darts can pass undamaged through the opened port. In an embodiment, the flow through a tubular is obstructed by placing a ball on an expandable ball seat, developing a pressure differential across the ball seat, equalizing the pressure after the hydraulically actuated tool completes its function, and mechanically manipulating the drill string to open the expandable ball seat and allow the ball to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Tarald Gudmestad, David E. Hirth, Gerald D. Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20040035587
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided with position sensors. When the apparatus has moved one tubular into alignment with another tubular a button on a remote control console is pressed to memorise the position. After the next tubular has been gripped by the apparatus a “recall” button is pressed and the apparatus automatically moves the next tubular to the memorised position. This saves vital seconds in joining tubulars and also reduces the likelihood of threads being damaged due to misalignment of the tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Lawrence Hollingsworth, Bernd Reinholdt
  • Publication number: 20040035588
    Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
  • Publication number: 20040035589
    Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040035590
    Abstract: A screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20040035591
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device (136) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a tubular member (134) having at least one fluid passageway (136) and a sand control screen (132) positioned exteriorly therearound. The sand control screen (132) has a filter medium section (142) that defines a first annular region (144) with the tubular member (134) and a housing section (146) that defines a second annular region (148) with the tubular member (134) adjacent to the fluid passageway (136). A sealing member (150) is positioned within the second annular region (148). A hydraulic pressure source (152) is selectively in fluid communication with the sealing member (150) to operate the sealing member (150) from a nonsealing position wherein fluid flow through the fluid passageway (136) is allowed, to a sealing position wherein fluid flow through the fluid passageway (136) is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph H. Echols
  • Publication number: 20040035592
    Abstract: A horseshoe includes a thin, resilient member, embedded in a moldable material such as plastic or composite. Due to this dual construction, the horseshoe is strong yet light in weight. The moldable material has a thickness which varies across the horseshoe, so as to define a cavity in the space between the shoe and the horse's hoof. A channel, formed in the moldable material, provides access to the cavity, which can be filled with a medicated material after the shoe has been attached to the hoof. In an alternative embodiment, a source of current can be connected across the ends of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to function as a resistance heater, which can melt an adhesive used to attach the shoe to the hoof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Kolonia
  • Publication number: 20040035593
    Abstract: A gripping device for a horse's hoof to spread shock and concussive forces evenly through the device, distribute pressure over the entire surface of the hoof, provide improved traction with the surface on which the hoof contacts, and enhance therapeutic shoeing applications. The gripping device comprises an elastomeric or polymeric material integrally molded to a gripping plate, the gripping plate including a raised traction section that extends above the elastomer and may form a traction chamber. The gripping device may be used with a removable cushion plate that is fittable within the traction chamber and/or in conjunction with a removable hospital plate that overlies and permits access to an injury to the hoof, include one or more clips for engagement with the front or side of the hoof, the clip(s) being integrally formed with the gripping plate or the elastomer, and include arcuate stiffening ribs and a toe calk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Coulombe
  • Publication number: 20040035594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a harvester for harvesting a root crop, and more in particular for harvesting potatoes. For that purpose, the root crop and attached soil material is guided towards a rotating helically shaped conveyor track (4). This conveyor track (4) is provided with sieve openings, which remove attached soil material from the root crop during transportation. Preferably, the helically shaped conveyor track is made of synthetic tubing or rods, which can be bought on a roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Antonius Josephus Visser
  • Publication number: 20040035595
    Abstract: A number of cam-operated devices such as power tools 10 are described, the tools having rotary drive means 24 for rotating a drive shaft 36 having a cylinder cam 42 mounted thereon. A pair of cam followers 54 are located within a cam track 44 provided on the cam member 42, such that rotation of the cam 42 causes axial movement of the cam followers 54, which may be attached to a drive shaft 48 and a tool bit 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Hugh Edward Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040035596
    Abstract: A power tool including a motor, a housing having first and second holes, and first and second plugs disposed within the first and second holes, respectively, the first and second plugs each connectable to a belt. One of the first plug and the belt has a hole and the other of the first plug and the belt has a hook insertable into the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Brian P. Wattenbach, Richard J. Jemison
  • Publication number: 20040035597
    Abstract: A cable includes a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors in a dense hexagonal matrix-like form defining thereof horizontal rows and oblique columns with each other in a rectangular coordinate system wherein the twisted pairs in the same row have the same twist direction while have opposite twist directions with those in the two neighboring rows aside, and wherein for each row there is a ninety degrees phase shift between every adjacent two pairs and for each column there is a non-ninety degrees phase shift between every adjacent two pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Chou